Located in a special Beaverton community at 3rd and Main Street, Cashmere Beauty Lounge is one of three businesses at the intersection that showcases the diversity and vibrancy of downtown Beaverton. We talked with Adriana Quan, the salon owner, to learn more about the business history, challenges during the pandemic, and community partnership.
TELL US ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CASHMERE BEAUTY LOUNGE.
Cashmere Beauty Lounge was established in 2008. The prior owner, Tami, purchased this home and remodeled it to be a salon. I was a stylist here when the salon opened and I purchased it from Tami in 2017. I moved to Oregon from Bulgaria when I was a child and I love Beaverton! I’ve been cutting hair since I was seventeen and owning my own salon has been one of my dreams. I love having the salon in this beautiful historic home.
HOW HAS QUARANTINE AFFECTED CASHMERE BEAUTY SALON?
We reopened in June, and our layout as a house provided each stylist with her own room so we can maintain rigorous Covid safety protocols. Keeping our clients and employees safe is our top priority.
I would like to thank Victor [Saldanha], our banker at Key Bank [in downtown Beaverton]. He reached out to us right away when PPP loans were available to help us secure the loan, which was approved in a week. The loan covered the mortgage and ensured the team did not have to pay rent while they were unable to make an income.
We are a busy salon with loyal, long term clients who patiently waited for our reopening. Some older clients spoke of how much they missed the human touch during the pandemic, and mine was the first touch they’ve had in all that time. This moves me deeply, and I’m glad we can provide this human connection for our clients.
DO YOU SEE ANY NEW TRENDS EMERGING AS CUSTOMERS RETURN?
People are celebrating their hair’s natural beauty and are looking for styles that are easier to manage. I’m also seeing a trend where people want to express their personalities with their hairstyles, leading to lighter, brighter color and more adventurous haircuts. As people continue to connect with each other on platforms like Zoom, hairstyle is one of the most visible ways to showcase your style!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BUSINESS OWNER?
I love the sense of accomplishment and independence I feel as an entrepreneur. It is very satisfying to do whatever is necessary to run a small business and feel the reward of making a community for your team and your clients. One client texted me, “My daughter had a bad experience at another salon. Your salon is such a happy place and everyone is proud of their work.”
I’m proud that I have created a culture where people feel happy and at home, as clients and employees.
WHAT CAN WE SHARE WITH THE BEAVERTON COMMUNITY ABOUT CASHMERE BEAUTY LOUNGE?
We have four stylists who cut, color, and style hair; Brittany McCreith, Heidi Tipton, Amanda Bishop and I. We have an amazing esthetician, Charmaine Sudar, and outstanding product lines. We would be delighted to recommend products that meet your styling needs. Call us so we can make suggestions for our products, available by curbside pick-up.
There is much less pedestrian traffic than on 1st Street. If you are waiting for a dinner reservation on 1st Street, walk over and check out our corner of 3rd and Main! There are three businesses here; our salon, GHM boutique, and Kimmi Clinic, a family medicine practice. We are on our feet all day as stylists and Dr. Kimmi always takes care of us, providing great chiropractic care!
Please come see us at 3rd and Main! We can’t wait to meet you.